CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fifteen years ago, U.S. Representative Alma Adams (D-N.C.) welcomed a granddaughter into the world. But a time that should've been joyous was, instead, perilous.
"We almost lost her and my daughter," Adams recalled. "Doctors overlooked things and disregarded the pain."
Fast-forward to 2021. April 11 to April 17 marks the fourth annual Black Maternal Health Week. In 2018, Adams introduced the first Black Maternal Health Week resolution with then-Senator Kamala Harris.
According to the CDC, Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Black women's heightened risk of pregnancy-related death spans income and education levels, according to the Center for American Progress.
"It doesn't matter how good your insurance might be. It doesn't matter how well-off you might be," Adams said.
On Capitol Hill, Adams is pushing "Momnibus" legislation. It's a 12-bill package that attempts to confront the social and economic determinants that influence maternal health. The bills support community-based organizations, aim to add diversity in the health care professions and address systemic racism in the health care system.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
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